Catocala lacrymosa

Distinguished from other Catocala species by forewing pattern details and hindwing coloration. The specific epithet 'lacrymosa' refers to tear-like markings. Forewing pattern includes fine dark lines and shadings that differ from congeners such as C. concumbens or C. ilia. Hindwing bands typically orange-red with black borders. Identification to species requires examination of forewing pattern details, as hindwing colors overlap with related species. Genitalia examination may be necessary for definitive identification where ranges overlap with similar species.

Wingspan 60–82 mm. Forewings gray-brown with intricate dark patterning, providing camouflage against tree bark. Hindwings display the characteristic underwing coloration—typically with orange, red, or yellow bands bordered by black. The specific pattern of the tearful underwing includes markings that suggest 'tear' or 'lacrimal' patterns, referenced in the species epithet. Body robust, typical of the genus.

Deciduous and mixed forests where hickory trees (Carya spp.) occur. Associated with mature woodland habitats, particularly those with shagbark hickory and other Carya species. Adults often found resting on tree trunks during daylight hours.

Eastern North America: Massachusetts and Connecticut south to Florida, west to Texas and eastern Oklahoma, north to Illinois and Michigan, extending into southern Ontario.

Adults active July to September, depending on location. Single generation per year (univoltine).

Larvae feed on Carya species (hickories). Adult feeding habits not well documented; adults of related Catocala species have been observed feeding on fermenting sap, fruit, and other sugary substances.

• Carya - larval host plantLarvae feed on hickory species

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Single generation per year. Larval stage feeds on hickory foliage. Pupation occurs in soil or leaf litter. Adults emerge in mid to late summer.

Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light, though often remain on the periphery of light stations rather than landing directly on sheets. When disturbed, adults flash their brightly colored hindwings as a startle defense against predators, then rapidly fly to seek concealment on another tree trunk. Daytime resting posture with forewings folded over hindwings, concealing the bright colors.

Larvae function as folivores on hickory trees, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Adults serve as prey for nocturnal predators including bats, birds, and predatory insects. The startle display of the hindwings may contribute to predator learning and avoidance of similarly patterned prey.

Subject of interest to lepidopterists and moth enthusiasts, particularly during National Moth Week events. The genus Catocala has been spotlighted in citizen science initiatives due to its striking appearance and relative detectability. No significant economic impact documented; larvae do not reach pest status on hickory trees.

• Catocala concumbensOverlapping range and similar hindwing coloration; distinguished by forewing pattern details
• Catocala iliaSimilar size and general appearance; forewing pattern and hindwing band configuration differ
• Catocala aholibahLarger species with similar habitat preferences; distinguished by size and forewing markings

• underwing moth
• hickory feeder
• nocturnal
• cryptic coloration
• startle display

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• A Gathering of Lepidopterists: Who's Who of the Butterfly, Moth Experts | Bug Squad
• Got Moths? Celebrate National Moth Week and Global Citizen Science
• Bug Eric: National Moth Week Recap, 2015
• Bug Eric: National Moth Week Recap for Colorado Springs
• Bug Eric: National Moth Week 2024 Recap from Kansas City
• Bug Eric: New Mexico Night Bugs